Theft of Hard Disks from TNPDCL Headquarters in Chennai
In May 2026, hard disks were stolen from the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) headquarters in Chennai, India. Two suspects were arrested, and all drives were recovered. Data retrieved showed no incriminating material, but the case was transferred to CB-CID due to sensitivity. The theft is linked to a broader transformer procurement scam under CBI investigation. TNPDCL plans to introduce biometric access controls.
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TNPDCL to introduce biometric access control after hard disk theft
The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) will implement access control protocols, including biometric authentication, to secure its digital platforms and data storage centers following the theft of 18 hard disks from its headquarters. Investigators recovered 34 hard disks allegedly stolen from TNPDCL, with prime suspect Gopinath, an Annual Maintenance Contract service provider, and his accomplice Manohar of Bengaluru identified. Erased data retrieved so far revealed nothing incriminating. Steps have been taken to restrict entry of contractual staff and visitors on holidays. State Energy Minister R. Nirmalkumar reviewed developments with TANGEDCO officials. The CB-CID is investigating the theft, while TNPDCL has ordered an internal inquiry and is reviewing data protection policies.
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Police sources in Chennai reported on June 8, 2026, that no incriminating material was found in data recovered from hard disks stolen from the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) headquarters. While 18 hard disks were initially reported stolen, investigators found 34 hard disks in the possession of the suspect in Bengaluru. The suspect, contract employee Gopinath of Arakkonam, allegedly stole the hard disks and sold them to his associate Manohar in Bengaluru. The data had been deleted but was recovered by police. The case has been transferred to the Crime Branch-CID (CB-CID) due to its sensitive nature. The theft had sparked speculation of a deliberate attempt to tamper with evidence in an alleged multi-crore scam. Separately, the CBI has registered a corruption case related to TANGEDCO tenders for distribution transformers during 2021-2023, involving alleged losses of ₹397 crore.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.No Incriminating Data Found in Stolen TNPDCL Hard Disks; Case Transferred to CB-CID
Police sources reported on June 8, 2026, that no incriminating material was found in data recovered from hard disks stolen from the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) headquarters in Chennai. While 18 hard disks were initially reported stolen, investigators recovered 34 hard disks from a suspect in Bengaluru, suggesting previous unreported thefts. The suspect, contract employee Gopinath of Arakkonam, allegedly stole the disks and sold them to Manohar of Bengaluru. Data had been erased but was successfully retrieved. The case has been transferred from Greater Chennai Police to the CB-CID due to its sensitive nature. Separately, the CBI has registered a corruption case related to TANGEDCO transformer tenders from 2021-2023, involving alleged losses of ₹397 crore, following a Madras High Court directive.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.CB-CID to probe theft of hard disks from TNPDCL
The Crime Branch-CID of Tamil Nadu police has taken over the investigation into the theft of hard disks and other computer components from the headquarters of the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) in Chennai. The case, initially handled by the Greater Chennai Police, was transferred by Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal due to its sensitive nature. Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the theft, including the service provider responsible for the Annual Maintenance Contract for the electronic components. The investigation aims to uncover the motive and any potential data breach implications.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.One More Arrested in TNPDCL Hard Disk Theft Case; All Missing Drives Recovered
Chennai police arrested a second suspect, Murali Manohar, a Bengaluru resident, in connection with the theft of hard disks from the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) headquarters. The theft occurred on May 18, and a complaint was filed on June 1. The primary suspect, Gopinath, a contract employee, was arrested earlier and confessed, leading to the recovery of all stolen hard disks from Manohar. Police also seized 34 hard disks and 20 RAM modules, including items from other thefts. Efforts are underway to retrieve data from the recovered drives through legal procedures. The investigation continues from multiple angles.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.TNPDCL Hard Disk Theft: Minister Nirmalkumar Confirms Data Backup and Investigation
On June 4, 2026, Tamil Nadu Energy Minister R. Nirmalkumar confirmed the theft of several hard disks from the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) headquarters in Chennai. The theft was reported last month, and a departmental vigilance inquiry verified the loss. A police complaint has been filed, and some suspects have been detained, with efforts to arrest others ongoing. The Minister stated that data backup for tenders, coal contracts, and employee records from the past five years has been initiated, with validation expected within days. He linked the theft to a possible continuation of a transformer procurement scam already under CBI investigation, noting that some employees have been suspended. The exact number of stolen hard disks remains unclear as enumeration continues. Strict legal action is promised against those responsible.
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